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TRADITIONS AND FESTIVALS IN ANTIPOLO CITY, PROVINCE OF RIZAL by A. M. A blog

SUMAKAH FESTIVAL 💐

The Sumakah Festival in Antipolo is an annual performance that express the heart and soul of this vibrant city nestled in the hills of Rizal province in the Philippines. This celebration is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of Antipolo's rich culture, traditions, and religious fervor, creating an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors alike.The festival kicks off with a burst of energy as colorful street parades wind their way through the city's thoroughfares. Dancers clad in intricate costumes swirl and twirl to the beat of traditional music, showcasing the unique cultural heritage of Antipolo. The air is filled with the attractive aroma of suman (rice cakes), kasoy (cashew nuts), and mangga (mango) as food stalls line the streets, offering a feast for the senses.

At the heart of the Sumakah Festival lies a deep reverence for the city's patroness, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Religious processions wind their way up to the Antipolo Cathedral, where devotees gather to offer prayers and petitions for safe journeys and blessings. It's a poignant reminder of the profound faith that binds the people of Antipolo together.

But the Sumakah Festival is not just about religious devotion, it's also a celebration of community spirit and camaraderie. Families come together to enjoy the festivities, sharing laughter, stories, and good food. It's a time for old friends to reconnect and for new friendships to blossom, creating lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

In essence, the Sumakah Festival is more than just a series of events, it's a celebration of identity, heritage, and unity. It's a testament to the resilience and spirit of the people of Antipolo, who come together each year to celebrate their past, their present, and their future. As the vibrant colors, joyful music, and delicious aromas fill the air, one thing becomes abundantly clear the Sumakah Festival is a celebration of life itself, and everyone is invited to join in the festivities.

HIGANTES FESTIVAL 🎭

The Higantes Festival is an annual celebration held in Antipolo City, Rizal Province, Philippines. It's one of the most fun and colorful festivals in the country, known for its giant papier-mâché figures called "Higantes."

The celebration originated in the 1950s as a way to honor the patron saint of Antipolo, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. The giant Higantes figures can reach up to 20 feet and are paraded through the streets of Antipolo during the festival. These giants are larger than houses depicting various characters from Philippine folklore and mythology.

The festival is celebrated annually in the month of May, coinciding with the feast day of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage), the patroness of Antipolo City. The festival features lively music, traditional dances, street parties and colorful processions of Higantes figures.

The Higantes Festival is not only a celebration of Antipolo's cultural heritage, but also a testament to the creativity and artistry of the Antipolo community. The creation of the giant Higantes figures is a labor of love, with local artisans and volunteers tirelessly creating these magnificent works of art.

Overall, the Higantes Festival is a vibrant and unique celebration that showcases the rich cultural traditions of Antipolo City and the Philippines as a whole.

SENAKULO ✝️

One of the traditions of the people of Antipoleño is senakulo which is held every Good Friday. For many this work is the remembrance of Christ's sacrifice through his crucifixion. The performance of the Senacle can be traced back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries when the first text of the Passion was written. The Passion is sung in a sad tone called tagulaylay, while the Senakulo aims to dramatize the scenes based on the content of the Passion.

Senakulo is a long-standing religious tradition in the City of Antipolo, located in the province of Rizal, east of Metro Manila. People here join in the reenactment of the Passion of the Christ, which depicts the last days of Jesus Christ leading up to his crucifixion. In Antipolo, the Senakulo is a spectacular annual event that hauls large piles or groups of devoted just to watch. Others even travel out of their city just to witness what happened here in the town of Antipolo. The reenactment usually takes place during Holy Week, with performances on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. In the town of Antipolo, it is usually seen in the town square or the Antipolo Church, as well as in the streets where it serves as the venue for most of the Senakulo performances. It also features elaborate costumes and props to bring the Bible story to life. Local actors and actresses play the roles of Jesus, apostles, Roman soldiers, and other main characters. These performances are also often translated or supplemented by traditional Lenten hymns and prayers.

The Senakulo is an important part of the cultural and religious identity of Antipolo City. It serves as a way for the community to remember and reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This practice is deeply meaningful to many Filipinos, who see it as a way to deepen their faith and connection to their religion. Overall, the Senakulo in Antipolo City is a long-standing tradition that continues to be an important part of the city's annual cultural and religious activities, attracting devotees every year during Lent.

Sumakah - https://youtu.be/vHra1x4X0sw?si=tRHooT2V5vJKbc4V

Senakulo - https://youtu.be/Gtet1oVJams?si=JWgDh24buFW4cE64

Higantes Festival - https://youtu.be/mbk93CTK0U0?si=2fxN3BH3d4PpHhFp

Members

Austria, Maureen Mae S.

Manaay, Maniel James M.

Andrade, Fyona B.

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Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Traditions in Antipolo

ANTIPOLO CITY

Antipolo City is a highly urbanized city located in the province of Rizal, Philippines. It is situated on the slopes of the Sierra Madre mountain range, offering a picturesque landscape and a cooler climate compared to the surrounding areas.Antipolo is known as the "City of Roses" due to its famous Marian shrine, the Antipolo Cathedral, which houses the revered image of the Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage). The cathedral is a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of devotees, especially during the annual Alay Lakad (Pilgrimage Walk) celebration.

And now we are going to discuss about different traditions in the City of Antipolo. So what are you waiting for, come on let's explain the beauty of Antipolo

DIFFERENT TRADITIONS

IN ANTIPOLO CITY

Sumakah Festival

The Sumakah Festival, celebrated every 1st day of May. Sumakah represents different products in Antipolo, suman, mangga, kasoy, and the old transportation here in the City, the Hamaka. It started on during the time of Mayor Angelito Gatlabayan in year 2002. It's promoting the Antipoleños' culture and tradition while raising unity in the community and governmentWhen we are watching sumakah, we can see here the street dancing performance of the participants of the different groups representing their schools. Also the cultural show featuring the traditional songs and theatrical production that highlights the history and culture in the City of Antipolo

Antipolo's Alay Lakad or the

"Penitential Walk"

It happened every Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, it is the part of the Holy Week celebration. Alay lakad is a mixture of a two Filipino words, "alay" means 'offering' and "lakad" or 'to walk'. It represents the spiritual gestures to regret for sins, to value the sacrifices of God, and to fulfill a promise. Wherein the people who participate in this tradition, is walks within the Antipolo's different locations to cathedral with their saint, while chanting prayers along their way. The span and distance of the Alay Lakad depend on the starting point chosen by the participants. Some may undertake a shorter journey, while others go for longer routes that span several kilometers. Despite of the distance, the Alay Lakad is representing as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and communion with God.

It includes the senakulo that presents at the day time in Good Friday on March. It's a Lenten drama play which presents the sacrifice, trial and death of Christ. The word "senculo" is from a Spanish word "cenáculo" or 'upper room" which means the location of the Last Supper. It is presented by the churches, communities and the actors portraying the biblical characters just like Jesus Christ, the pontius Pilate, the apostles, and other characters involved in the trial of Christ.

Feast of Our Lady of Peace

and Good Voyage

One of the most famous traditions in the City of Antipolo is the Feast of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. It is celebrated in 30th day of May.On the evening of the commemoration , a grand parade also known as the "Lakbayaw" is happened , where the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is displayed through the streets of Antipolo City. The parade is attended by music, prayers, and the participation of supporters brings candles and banners. The parade of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is not only about the religious but also the crowd , and cultural celebrations that reflects the faith and devotion of the people in the City of Antipolo. It treats as a time for reflection, thanksgiving, prayers and fellowship between devotees as they glories and find the plan of Our Lady for peacefulness, guard, and safe passage

Presented by:

CONSIGNADO, SHARINA MAE

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